"Notwithstanding the fact that the firm has distinguished itself in many aspects of this crisis, we can't ignore the ongoing economic distress, nor can we ignore public scrutiny," Goldman spokesman Lucas van Praag said.

Blankfein, along with two co-presidents, the CFO and three vice chairman, will make $600,000 this year. Last year Blankfein and his three highest paid lieutenants made an average of $65.25 million.